Blaise Diagne International Airport is 47 km from Dakar city center, making it one of the longer airport-to-city transfers in West Africa. The cost reflects this distance.
Taxi fares
Taxis at DSS do not use meters. Fares are negotiated. To central Dakar (Plateau), expect 25,000-40,000 CFA ($40-65 USD) during the day. At night, 35,000-50,000 CFA ($58-83 USD). To Almadies or Ngor, similar ranges apply since the distance is comparable.
The fare should cover the toll road (approximately 2,600 CFA) but some drivers will try to charge the toll separately. Clarify before you depart whether the toll is included in the agreed price.
To closer destinations: Thies is 8,000-15,000 CFA, and the Petite Cote (Saly, Somone, Mbour) runs 15,000-25,000 CFA. These destinations are closer to DSS than Dakar is.
TER train
The most affordable option. The TER train from DSS to Dakar station costs approximately 2,500 CFA for second class and 3,500 CFA for first class ($4-6 USD). The journey takes about 45 minutes.
The catch is that trains run on a limited schedule — roughly every 1-2 hours during operating times, and not at all late at night. You also need to get from Dakar train station to your hotel, which adds another 1,000-3,000 CFA for a short taxi ride.
Total cost via TER: roughly 4,000-7,000 CFA ($7-12 USD). This is dramatically cheaper than any other option.
Pre-booked private transfers
A sedan transfer to central Dakar costs 30,000-50,000 CFA ($50-85 USD). SUVs and minivans run 40,000-65,000 CFA ($67-108 USD). Premium vehicles can reach 80,000-100,000 CFA.
These prices include the toll, meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, and a guaranteed vehicle with AC. There are no hidden charges with a proper booking.
Ride-hailing apps
Yango and Heetch fares from DSS to Dakar typically show 15,000-25,000 CFA on the app. This is cheaper than a negotiated taxi but the challenge is availability — few ride-hailing drivers are positioned near DSS, so wait times of 20-40 minutes are common. Surge pricing can push fares to 30,000+ CFA during peak arrival times.
Shuttle buses
AFTU shuttle buses between DSS and Dakar cost 3,000-5,000 CFA. They are air-conditioned but slow — 1.5-2.5 hours with multiple stops. This is the second cheapest option after the TER but the time cost is high.
The toll road factor
The highway from DSS to Dakar is a modern toll road. Tolls for a standard car are approximately 2,600 CFA. Pre-booked transfers include this. Taxis should include it but confirm. If you are in a ride-hailing car, the toll is typically added to your fare automatically.
Bottom line
Your realistic cost range is 4,000-50,000 CFA ($7-85 USD) depending on transport type. The TER train is a genuine budget option at under $12 total. A taxi runs $40-65. A private transfer costs $50-85 but removes all uncertainty from the longest airport transfer in Senegal.